Joe Miller Jenkins

Rocky Mount –

Joe Miller Jenkins, age 88, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. “Bobby” as he was known by his family and friends, was born in Nash County on February 15, 1935 to Charlie Calvin “Monk” and Lettie Jewel Johnson Jenkins.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Sylvia Edwards Jenkins; daughter, Lisa Jenkins Jackson; son, Robert Dale Jenkins (Pamela); grandsons, Brandon Jenkins (Qua) and Justin Jenkins; brothers, Mervin Jenkins (Edith) and George Jenkins (Katt); step granddaughter, Billie Jo Jackson Winstead (Paul); ten step great-grandchildren; along with best friends who were like family, Wanda and Ralph Jenkins and their dog, Sampson.

Bobby grew up on his family’s farm in Edgecombe County and was a graduate of West Edgecombe High School where he was a bus driver. He loved working with his father, producing crops and continued to do so until he was drafted into the United States Army where he served for two years active duty and eight years in the Army Reserve.

During his years in the public workforce, he was employed by Domestic Electric, Westwood Lumber Company and Carolina Builders. Bobby was a talented wood craftsman, and he spent more than fifteen years making shorebirds, stools, whirligigs, house plaques, and many other items for craft shows that he and his wife, Sylvia participated in. He and his son, Dale, also built beautiful furniture. After his retirement, Bobby loved going to the beach. He loved to fish and spent many years at Pamlico on the weekends with his brother, Jimmy and over twenty-five years fishing on the weekends with his late son-in-law, Martin Jackson and friend, Ralph Jenkins.

Special recognition also goes to his nephew, Brian Jenkins, who has kept the family supplied with seafood.

A service to celebrate Bobby’s life will be held on Friday, December 8, at 11AM, at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with military honors. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 6PM to 8PM at Davis-Little Funerals, Rocky Mount.